South West Slammers women’s imports Yasmeen Smith and Chervelle Cox embracing the challenge of lifting team

The South West Slammers women’s side has battled mightily in recent years, winning only one of their last 74 games. But their two new imports Yasmeen Smith and Chervelle Cox say they are relishing the challenge of turning the team’s fortunes around. The Slammers women’s outfit has relied solely on local talent for the past two seasons but have managed to bring the pair onboard thanks to some extra sponsor support. Trinidad-born Cox, who has played as a professional in Mexico, Portugal and Kosovo, said she would treat her off-court role as a mentor with the same level of importance as her on-court duties. “Coach is really looking for leadership and a little bit of help on court. I think that’s where I come into play.” she said. “Experience is what I can bring to these young girls. It’s a young team, so we’re building every day. “We have a great group of girls and we can definitely win some games this season.” Smith, a Canadian who was named Ontario College Athletics Association Women’s Basketball Player of the Year last year after averaging 22.3 points per game for Conestoga College, said she was enjoying integrating with a young Slammers group. “I like that we’re developing. I’ve never played overseas, so this is my first experience,” she said. “It’s nice to have a little bit of leadership (from Cox) as well.” “I’m going to try and bring that higher level of intensity.” The pair come to the South West on opposite ends of the experience scale, but both said they were strongly considering leaving the game behind until the chance to head for Australia came up. “I heard about the opportunity through a friend,” Smith said. “I was ready to hang it up, but I thought ‘you know what, let’s give it a go’. I sent over my highlights and from there, it was on.” “My agent reached out to me about the opportunity, I was about to retire,” Cox said. “He asked ‘why not one more time, the team needs some experience’, and I just came.” Having arrived in the country a few weeks ago, Smith and Cox both said they were loving life in Bunbury. “The scenery is beautiful and everyone’s really nice,” Smith said. “The city is nice, the people are very welcoming. So far, everything’s been good,” Cox added.